Ministry of Justice

Hate Crime

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress has been made on the review of hate crime legislation in England and Wales.

Chris Philp: The Law Commission were invited to review the law on hate crime and to make recommendations for its reform. The review began in March 2019 and will also consider which characteristics (for example gender, age, disability) deserve enhanced protection by the criminal law and on what basis. The Law Commission plan to issue a consultation on this matter in early 2020. Further information on the review can be found on the Law Commission webpage at: https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/hate-crime/

House of Commons Commission

Sleeping Rough: Westminster Station

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has taken steps to support rough sleepers moved on from Westminster tube station since the installation of the new security door to the Parliamentary Estate.

Tom Brake: We continue to engage with partners on addressing the difficult issue of rough sleeping in and around the station constructively and sympathetically. We are working closely with Westminster City Council to ensure that the people who sleep in the station are offered the support that they need.